Any changes in the shape and color of the nail plates can indicate the presence of a fungal infection.In medicine, they are called onychomycosis, popularly - nail fungus.If detected in the initial stage, there is a high probability of a quick cure;advanced forms can be treated for years and not always with positive success.It is worth noting that onychomycosis is common throughout the world, and in Russia they occur in 7-16% of the population.Their presence is closely related to many factors, ranging from social to individual body characteristics.
What does nail fungus look like in the initial stage?
Almost always, the initial stage of nail fungus is asymptomatic, especially on the feet.Only from time to time small yellow spots can be observed on the nail plate or a slight itching can be felt on the finger.Almost always, the lesion starts from the 1st and 5th toes and looks like changes:
- Nail colors (yellow, shades of brown);
- Shape of the nail plate (either thickening, or vice versa - thinning is observed);
- Deformation (appearance of longitudinal and transverse stripes of yellow or white color).
In addition to all visible changes, subjective sensations in the form of itching and soreness can be added.
Note!Onychomycosis occurs more often on the legs, less often on the hands.It very often appears as a result of an injury during a manicure or pedicure, if the patient is already ill with mycosis of the feet.
Classification of onychomycosis
Today, it is customary to classify onychomycosis not only taking into account the clinical characteristics of damage to the nail plate, but also based on the variants of fungal penetration into it.The following types of onychomycosis are distinguished:
- distal;
- distal-lateral;
- white superficial;
- proximal subungual;
- total dystrophy.
The first two forms are the most common, since in them the pathogen enters the nail from the affected skin of the feet.They are characterized by a long course, in which the lesion process slowly spreads over the entire nail in the form of an oval yellow spot or fever.
A distinctive feature of white superficial onychomycosis is damage to the nail plates of the first fingers in the initial stage.Damage to the matrix and nail bed is extremely rare;in principle, the whole process is limited to the appearance of superficial white lesions.
The last two forms are very rare and are characterized by a rapid progression, in which the matrix and the periungual margin are affected.A distinctive feature is partial or complete destruction of the nail plate.
Pathogens of nail fungus are also divided into three groups:
- dermatophytes;
- yeast of the genus Candida;
- mold fungi.
The first two types are much more common, and their clinical picture is clearly expressed with damage not only to the nail plate, but also to the feet.
Main factors for the development of onychomycosis
Many people wonder how we all end up visiting baths, saunas, pools, beaches, but only some of us get nail fungus.The fact is that not only a favorable environment is needed for the spread of fungi, but also weakened protective functions of the body.At risk are people who have problems with:
- vessels of the lower extremities;
- overweight;
- flat feet and leg deformities;
- increased levels of glucose in the blood, which is used by the fungus for metabolic processes;
Onychomycosis is common in adults and practically never occurs in children.Every second person over the age of 70 develops a toenail or fingernail fungus.
How to treat nail fungus in the initial stage?
If you suspect nail fungus, you should see a dermatologist immediately.At least to identify the pathogen and choose an effective antifungal drug.Most modern drugs are very harmful to the liver and tests are taken before they are prescribed.If problems are found, the drug is replaced by another.
Treatment of toenail fungus at home is acceptable if you know the pathogen and are in the initial stage.Then, by following the rules of disinfection (treatment of underwear, socks, shoes, treatment of the nail plate, etc.), you can quickly get rid of the disease even without taking systemic drugs.
In the treatment of advanced nail fungus, everything is much more complicated, since here you have to fight not only the external manifestations of the disease, but also expel the pathogen from the body.Here, in addition to attention, the patient will need patience and time, since therapy can last for years.
If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to seek help from a specialist, then when you find the first signs of nail fungus, you can smear the affected areas with iodine and hydrogen peroxide, which are considered effective in the fight against dermatophytes and candida.It is recommended to treat the entire nail in the morning with iodine and in the evening with peroxide for one month.Before treatment, wash your feet well, dry them and cut the affected nail as much as possible.